The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of applications for its Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply and serve as commissioned officers.
According to the announcement, the recruitment exercise, which began on Thursday, October 9, 2025, will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The Army stated that the programme is open to both serving military personnel and eligible civilian applicants who meet the required qualifications. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and between the ages of 23 and 27 as of January 9, 2026.
Civilian candidates are also required to present letters of attestation from two reputable individuals, such as a Local Government Chairman/Secretary or a senior military or police officer not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Successful candidates will be commissioned and deployed to serve in the combat arms and combat support arms of the Nigerian Army.
Basic Requirements:
- Applicants must be medically, mentally, and physically fit in accordance with Army standards.
- Civilians must provide two letters of attestation from recognized officials, such as local government authorities or senior security officers.
- A Letter of Attestation from the applicant’s former educational institution is required.
- Minimum height requirement: 1.68m (male) and 1.65m (female).
- Applicants must have no criminal record or disciplinary case; service personnel must provide endorsement from their commanding officers.
- A minimum of a first degree (Second Class Lower) or HND (Lower Credit) obtained between 2017 and the present is required.
- Applicants must possess a valid birth certificate or age declaration and certificate of state of origin.
- Civilian applicants must have a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
- Applicants must provide contact details of parents/guardians and next of kin.
- Tattoos or body inscriptions are strictly prohibited.
- Original copies of all educational certificates (from primary to tertiary) must be presented.
- Serving personnel must have completed at least five years of service, present a military ID card, and provide recommendation letters.
- Applicants must not be members of any cult, secret society, or fraternity.
- Anyone previously dismissed or withdrawn from military or paramilitary training institutions is ineligible.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng and select the SSC option.
- Review the conditions of entry for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026.
- Click “Apply Now” under the SSC 49/2026 section according to your qualification.
- Indicate whether you are a serving or former member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, then proceed.
- New applicants should click “Sign Up” to create an account. A verification link will be sent to the registered email address.
- Log in using your credentials to complete the application process.
